There are many parts of the world suffering from malnutrition and hunger that adversely affect mental and physical growth of the affected individuals. Many a times, these effects are irreversible. Apart from being an unacceptable phenomenon morally, hunger also acts as an obstruction to the economic and social growth of the poorest nations. Recent food crises and economic downturns have further deteriorated the situation especially in areas like the Horn of Africa and Sahel.

Up to 750,000 people face death from hunger in East Africa. Millions more are at risk across the region in the worst food crisis of the 21st century. They will have to bear a legacy of poverty, suffering, and the loss of their livelihoods. Urgent action is needed right now.

But the truth is that this crisis was predicted – and preventable: we already have the knowledge to stop this kind of tragedy from unfolding; we know the steps that must be taken to prevent suffering on this scale.

Muslim Aid today launched an urgent emergency appeal to provide humanitarian relief to people affected by the severe drought and malnutrition occurring in the countries of eastern Horn of Africa.

An estimated 10 million people in Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan are at risk of starvation. A shortage of food, water and medicines, made worse by persistent drought conditions in the region have forced thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in camps in Mogadishu, as well as on the border of Northern Kenya and Ethiopia.